Key facts
The Federal Office for Agriculture (FOAG) is implementing digiFLUX, a centralised information system, on behalf of Parliament. Its aim is to improve transparency and the data basis for deliveries and the use of plant protection products and the supply of nutrients in Switzerland. The project is based on the Federal Act on Reducing the Risks Associated with Pesticide Use, which was passed by Parliament in light of the initiatives on drinking water and a pesticide ban. The digiFLUX project was initiated in 2019 and is scheduled to be finished in 2028. The project costs are budgeted at CHF 19 million, of which CHF 7.5 million will have a financial impact.
The audit aimed to assess the targeted development of the project and the implementation of the statutory requirements. The audit revealed that digiFLUX is operating in a difficult political environment, even though it is only implementing specific parliamentary guidelines. Adoption of the amended Kolly motion 24.3078 in June 2025 could lead to amendment and simplification of the obligation to notify use of plant protection products. This would result in a reduction in data and require adjustments to the project. Since the project is understaffed, project management and control have been neglected. The project managers urgently need to define and obtain the requisite resources, so they can improve the overview and management of the project and stabilise the necessary controls.